Philippines to Ban Online Gambling Ads on E-wallets
Filipino lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the promotion of online gambling ads and their integration with e-wallet platforms.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Proposed by Bukidnon representatives Keith Flores, Jose Alba, Audrey Zubiri, Laarni Roque, and Arlyn Ayon, House Bill 721, or the Anti-Online Gambling Promotions in E-Wallet Act, aims to prohibit certain acts related to online gambling by e-wallet mobile application operators.
Under the legislation, it would be illegal for e-wallet operators to redirect users to online gambling sites, apps, or platforms via links, QR codes, or other digital means. The bill also prohibits sharing information online about placing, receiving, or transmitting bets through online gambling platforms.
Additionally, e-wallets would be restricted from displaying or hosting online gambling ads within their apps and promoting online gambling to the general public.
First-time violators of the proposed law will be fined P100,000 to P500,000 and receive a warning, while a second offense will attract a fine of P500,000 to P1 million and up to 30 days of operational suspension.
A third offense and beyond will result in a fine of P1 million to P5 million and permanent revocation of the business license. Even after paying fines, foreign offenders will be deported immediately by the Bureau of Immigration without further proceedings.
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The Bill's Rationale
In their explanatory note to the bill, the lawmakers noted that while e-wallets promote financial inclusion and ease transactions, they've also become preferred payment methods by users to access digital casinos and sports betting sites. They also claim e-wallet loan services are being exploited by gamblers to fuel their gambling habits, leading to debt and dependency.
The bill, the authors conclude, addresses the moral, financial, and public health concerns surrounding online gambling by holding e-wallet apps accountable and preventing them from facilitating gambling-related activities that exploit vulnerable Filipinos.
All four of Bukidnon's representatives in Congress are united on making sure gambling operations go back to onsite operations only and without linkages to e-wallets.
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